Whether you are a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, equipping your kitchen with the right tools not only produces effective results but also improves your cooking skills. Here are six pieces of equipment you can have in your kitchen to make cooking easier and a lot more enjoyable.
1. Vegetable Peeler
When used correctly, a vegetable peeler can come in handy during your cooking sessions. Besides peeling the skin off your veggies and removing any spots on the surface, vegetable peelers can shred different vegetables, shave off thin cheese slices to put on your pasta, or shave off chocolate trimmings for garnishing. There are a variety of peelers out there with varying quality, dimensions, and colors. Quality vegetable peelers are a one-time investment, as their blades can stay sharp for a long period of time and can be sharpened when the blade’s edges get dull.
2. Mandoline
It’s a tool recognized and used by professional chefs for a few decades. The mandolin might not produce the same results as a kitchen knife. It assists in the kitchen by allowing quick slicing, dicing, and chopping of a variety of foods. Chefs use this tool in restaurants to save time when they have to maintain a steady pace. It is important to ensure you know how to use a mandoline properly to avoid injuries. There are many versions of the mandoline, but we suggest considering a stainless steel one as it inhibits rust build-up and can last for a long time.
The mandoline comes with 3 to 4 interchangeable blades that produce different cuts. Whether you want to slice paper-thin cheese or need to cut julienne-style veggies for your steak, all you have to do is change the blades, and you are all set. It can also make french fries quicker when compared to the traditional way.
3. Chef’s Knife
A chef’s knife is one of the most essential tools for a chef and fulfills almost all of their cutting needs. Whether you want to finely chop those onions or cut through meat, a chef’s knife does it all. Besides using a chef’s knife, culinary experts suggest using other types of kitchen knives that serve different purposes. One can use a serrated knife or a santoku knife to serve the same purpose as a chef’s knife would. However, a chef’s knife is still the preferred all-in-one knife by novices and experts alike.
For those looking to elevate their kitchen utensil collection, investing in a Damascus steel kitchen knife set can make a significant difference. These knives are not only renowned for their exceptional durability and sharpness but their distinctive patterns also add an aesthetic appeal to any kitchen.
When buying a chef’s knife, never compromise on the quality of the blade, as a high-quality material will maintain its sharpness over longer periods. The grip should also be firm and made of a material like wood that does not slip. Having a balanced, ergonomically designed, and comfortable knife is one thing, while developing knife-cutting skills is another. Focus on improving knife cutting skills so the investment you make in a chef’s knife can be utilized to the fullest.
4. Colander
A kitchen is incomplete without a colander. Several types of colanders can upgrade your kitchen. It is an essential item for your kitchen and can be used for several tasks when used correctly. A basket-sized colander can wash vegetables and fruits, whereas the ones with tiny holes can easily wash grains, pulses, and rice. Nowadays, you can even find colanders to strain boiling pasta.
5. Fish Spatula
You might already have lots of spoons and spatulas, but equipping yourself with a fish spatula can surely save time and improve your cooking. With a fish spatula, flipping your pancakes, mixing stew, and frying delicate items becomes easier. The spatula resembles a grill and has a curved end, so the spatula easily snugs under the food you want to flip. The dimensions are also perfect, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the food you are cooking.
6. Kitchen Thermometer
When you are striving to achieve perfection in cooking, equipping the kitchen with the right tools is crucial. A kitchen thermometer is one of them. Whether you are searing a steak, heating frying oil, or even boiling water, it is essential to achieve a set temperature before you begin the process. For example, if you want to fry hot wings, a temperature of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit will fry the wings perfectly in a few minutes. Using kitchen thermometers is essential to ensuring that the temperature is set properly.
In Conclusion
Besides the above-mentioned tools, you can find a plethora of other tools and utensils to serve different purposes. It is essential to first review your kitchen and then buy the tools you think will upgrade and enhance your cooking. Understand your cooking style to know which kitchen utensils would suit you the best. We hope you find kitchen tools that can make your cooking easier and more fun.
